Court orders former Shin Bet agents to reveal identities to new chief
Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that 180 former Shin Bet security service officials who petitioned against the appointment of David Zini must disclose their identities to him within one week. The court rejected Zini’s initial request for anonymity in the legal challenge. The ruling does not determine whether the officials violated court orders by failing to comply with a previous directive on the matter.
War memorial plaque removed after naming controversy in Ramat Hasharon
A plaque accompanying a lion sculpture created from debris of a fallen missile in Ramat Hasharon was removed following public outcry. The plaque had credited Defence Minister Israel Katz and the mayor, prompting complaints from both the public and the artist involved in the memorial’s creation.
Yesh Atid disintegration accelerates with 12 MKs off ballot
Former Energy Minister Karin Elharrar has been excluded from the party’s joint electoral list with Naftali Bennett, joining 11 other incumbent Yesh Atid parliamentarians not renominated for the upcoming elections. Elharrar, an MP since 2013, announced her departure to pursue new opportunities.
Democrats leader seeks court protection after security denial
Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, has filed a petition with Israel’s Supreme Court challenging a decision by the advisory committee on personal security to deny him protection. The party released a controversial video containing harsh statements against him alongside imagery of a weapon being fired.
Israel releases five prisoners to Lebanon in diplomatic gesture
Israel is releasing five prisoners to Lebanon, including a man who disappeared near the Hermon region in October, according to Arabic reports. The move comes after negotiations and was approved following a meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and US ambassadors to Israel and Lebanon. Israeli military officials stressed that the ceasefire in southern Lebanon remains insufficient despite the gesture.
Shas leader rejects responsibility for haredi military recruitment
Shas party chairman Arye Dery claimed the army does not want haredi soldiers and suggested the military handle recruitment itself. Dery dismissed the Hashmonaim Battalion, designed to allow ultra-Orthodox soldiers to maintain their lifestyle, and criticised parents choosing haredi state education. Opposition politician Naftali Bennett said Dery should not serve in any future government.
Three former footballers arrested on suspicion of match-fixing in women’s top league
Israeli police arrested three former football players on Thursday on suspicion of operating a match-fixing and betting scheme targeting women’s top league games.
United States military to maintain deep Middle East presence through 2027
The US military will maintain 50,000 troops deployed in the Middle East through 2027, with Pentagon plans extending operations as Trump administration focuses on Iran strategy.
Deri dismisses calls for ultra-Orthodox military service
Shas party leader Arieh Deri said Thursday that he does not need to call on non-studying ultra-Orthodox Jews to enlist, stating the military should handle recruitment itself. Deri claimed the Israel Defence Forces do not want ultra-Orthodox soldiers because they create difficulties, preferring a secular military. His comments were made during an interview on Kol Barama radio.
Saar attacks Eisenkot’s political credentials ahead of change alliance
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has criticised opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, claiming he lacks the experience and skills for prime ministerial office. Speaking on Ynet’s political podcast, Saar questioned Eisenkot’s ministerial and political background, suggesting the change alliance leader faces a difficult choice between unifying his faction or withdrawing from politics. The comments reflect ongoing tensions within the opposition camp.